Midday, the longest running MPR news program, began as an extension of a daily half hour noon newscast called “Midday Report.” In September 1971 it expanded into various longer iterations, running weekdays, as well as encompassing some weekend programming. During this period, it was described as: “A program of news and information, a calendar of the day’s cultural events and the environmental report.” In January 1972 the name changed to Midday, and a month later it was described as: “A program of news, consumer and environmental information, discussion of public issues, and reports by the MPR and NPR news staffs."
Separate MPR public affairs programming were featured, such as Spectrum, Sportfolio, MPR Special, Insight, Weekend, Forum, and MPR’s Mainstreet Radio, among others. Local programming was also featured, including Westminster Town Hall Forum, Carlson Lecture Series, Minnesota Meeting, Minnesota Press Club, and Mondale Policy Forum. National outside programming included Options, Horizons, Communique, National Press Club, Chappaqua Lecture, Ford Hall Forum, Commonwealth Club, among others; and interview shows from the likes of Studs Terkel, William F. Buckley and Nancy Fushan.
As the years progressed, the “Interview” and “Call-in” would become a regular format for Midday. Beginning in the mid-1970’s until 1992, Midday was hosted by Bob Potter, after which, Gary Eichten became the permanent host. Many guest hosts also participated over the years. During the Eichten era, Midday became a daily two-hour program staple, running from 11AM-1PM. Midday ended its run in January 2012, when long-time host Eichten retired.
October 20, 1994 - MPR’s Gary Eichten talks with former Minnesota Vikings football star Bill Brown about the long held rivalry between the Minnesota Vikings and Green Bay Packers.
October 20, 1994 - Martin Sampson, professor in the Political Science department at University of Minnesota, provides commentary on situation in Middle East, political strategies of the various parties, and extremist violence.
October 21, 1994 - Joe Biernat, chair of Minneapolis City Council’s Public Safety Committee, shares his thoughts on announcement of Minneapolis Police Chief John Laux’s departure and search for new department leader.
October 24, 1994 - New York Times nutrition and health columnist Jane Brody will be in the studios to answer listener questions about food, nutrition, and health.
October 27, 1994 - On this Midday program, MPR’s Mike Mulcahy interviews I-R candidate Gil Gutknecht; and DFL candidate John Hottinger, both running for the 1st District. Following that, MPR’s Gary Eichten interviews incumbent DFL candidate Martin Sabo; and I-R candidate Dorothy Legrand, both running for 5th District.
October 28, 1994 - On this Midday program, a second day of broadcasts with Independent Republican and DFL candidates for Congress. MPR’s Gary Eichten interviews incumbent DFL Bruce Vento I-R and his I-R challenger Dennis Newinski, both running for the 4th District. Following that, a lively in-studio interview with DFL candidate Bill Luther and I-R candidate Tad Jude, both running for 6th District.
October 29, 1994 - Studio guests William Morrish and Catherine Brown of the University of Minnesota's Design Center for American Urban Landscape. The have written a new book called "Planning to Stay."
October 31, 1994 - Manning Marable, author and the director of the Institute of Research in African American Studies at Columbia University in New York, speaking at Faith, Reason and World Affairs Symposium at Concordia College in Moorhead. The topic of symposium was on multiculturalism, and was titled, “With Respect to Difference: Voices of a Multicultural Society.” Marable shared his view on the importance and need for an emphasis on multiculturalism.
October 31, 1994 - Linda Chavez, a former director of the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights and a former White House aide during the Reagan administration, speaking at Faith, Reason and World Affairs Symposium at Concordia College in Moorhead. The topic of symposium was on multiculturalism, and titled, “With Respect to Difference: Voices of a Multicultural Society.” Chavez’s address was Chavez shared her serious misgivings about the emphasis on multiculturalism. Chavez writes a syndicated column that appears in newspapers across the country and has done broadcast commentaries for several radio and TV outlets, including National Public Radio.
November 1, 1994 - Midday’s Gary Eichten interviews local journalist Barbara Flanagan about Lake Street...then and now. The area in South Minneapolis has a storied and busy past…with street cars, retail, and culture.